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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →One UI 9 adds five practical privacy and protection features: Security Brief alerts, AI Privacy Alerts, Scam Detection, malicious-site warnings in Samsung Browser, and visibility into AI assistant activity with processing controls. They help surface potential risks and give users more information or choice; they are not guarantees that every threat will be detected or blocked. Availability depends on the Galaxy model, software version and, for some features, region and language.
What the five features do
| Feature | What it surfaces or controls | Where it appears or applies | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Brief | Security and privacy updates, including alerts about malware, apps from unknown sources and unnecessary permissions | Now Brief | An alert-and-review surface; Samsung does not say it automatically removes threats. |
| AI Privacy Alerts | Potential risks such as unnecessary background permission access, apparent overuse of exact location, or requests for unnecessary background permissions | Privacy alerts on supported Galaxy devices | Warnings about possible risks, not definitive malware findings or comprehensive monitoring. Samsung says alerts may not account for all relevant factors. |
| Scam Detection | Potential scam calls | Calls, in supported markets and languages | Samsung announced availability in Japan, Canada and India; this is not a claim of worldwide availability. |
| Malicious-site warnings | Websites identified as potentially dangerous | Samsung Browser | A machine-learning-based warning before opening a potentially dangerous site; it does not guarantee that every malicious link is blocked. |
| AI activity visibility and processing choice | Which apps an AI assistant accessed, what actions it performed and when; a choice between on-device or cloud processing for Galaxy AI | AI activity review and Galaxy AI settings | Review assistant actions and choose a processing option where supported. Samsung does not say the choice applies identically to every AI feature or that all processing is local by default. |
Samsung describes One UI 9 as bringing transparency, choice and control to security and privacy. The practical distinction is that some features notify you about possible risks, while AI activity review and processing settings provide visibility or a choice. None should be read as an assurance of complete protection. See Samsung’s One UI 9 rollout announcement and its One UI 9 feature page for the company’s descriptions.
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How to interpret the alerts
Security Brief: a place to review notices
Security Brief puts selected security and privacy updates into Now Brief. Its purpose is to draw attention to items such as suspicious apps or unnecessary permissions so you can review them. Samsung does not describe it as an automatic cleanup or threat-removal tool.
AI Privacy Alerts: possible permission and data risks
An alert may indicate that an app appears to overuse exact location or seeks background permissions it may not need. Treat it as a prompt to inspect the app and its permissions, not proof that the app is malicious. Samsung cautions that the alerts may not account for every relevant factor, so no alert does not establish that an app is risk-free.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Scam Detection: market and language matter
Samsung’s rollout announcement names Japan, Canada and India for the expansion of Scam Detection. Whether it is available also depends on region, language, device model and OS or One UI version. The named markets should not be taken as a global availability list.
Samsung Browser: warnings, not universal link protection
The malicious-site warning is described for pages opened through Samsung Browser. Samsung says a machine-learning-based model can warn that a site is potentially dangerous. That is a warning capability, not a promise that all unsafe pages or links in other browsers and apps will be caught.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
AI activity: review and choose where supported
Samsung says users can see which apps AI assistants accessed, what actions they took and when. It also describes a choice between on-device and cloud processing for Galaxy AI. The scope of that choice can vary by feature; it should not be assumed that every AI task is handled locally by default.
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Who can use these features?
One UI 9 began rolling out on September 16, 2026, first for Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8 and Flip8, with expansion to other devices planned. Samsung’s Privacy Alerts footnote lists Galaxy S26, S25, S24 and S23 families, including specified FE models, selected Z Fold and Z Flip generations, and selected Tab S9, S10 and S11 models. That list applies to Privacy Alerts, not necessarily all five features.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Samsung cautions that functionality may vary by country, region, language, device model and app, and that AI availability can vary by model. A device running One UI 9 therefore should not be assumed to have every feature. Check Samsung’s feature and support information for the exact model, software build and location rather than relying on the version number alone.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Important One UI 9 lock-screen retry policy
Samsung Ireland’s support guidance, last updated October 3, 2026, documents increasingly long lockouts after repeated incorrect screen-lock entries. On the 13th failed attempt, the device is permanently locked until a factory reset. These are policy thresholds, not measured security outcomes.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
| Failed attempts | Lockout or consequence |
|---|---|
| 5 | 1 minute |
| 6 | 5 minutes |
| 7 | 15 minutes |
| 8 | 30 minutes |
| 9 | 90 minutes |
| 10 | 4 hours |
| 11 | 12 hours |
| 12 | 24 hours |
| 13 | Device permanently locked until factory reset |
Samsung says identical consecutive incorrect entries count as one failure, and the device shows remaining attempts after a threshold. The policy also differs depending on how One UI 9 arrived:
- Device shipped with One UI 9: the stricter retry policy applies from the start.
- Device updated to One UI 9: its previous settings remain until the owner performs a full factory reset.
A forgotten PIN, pattern or password cannot be retrieved remotely under this guidance. A factory reset is required; afterward, Samsung and Google account authentication is needed to clear Factory Reset Protection. Back up regularly using cloud services or Smart Switch so a reset does not leave you without a recoverable copy of your data. Samsung notes that service names and settings can vary by model, software version or app update. See Samsung Ireland’s One UI 9 lock-screen policy guidance.
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Samsung’s wider security platform
Samsung also discusses data protection using KEEP and Knox Vault, plus connected-device monitoring through Knox Matrix Trust Chain. These are broader Samsung platform capabilities described alongside One UI 9, not a claim that each is a separately new One UI 9 feature. Their presence and operation depend on the device and configuration.
Quick Recap
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